Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct
It is interesting that electronic journalists should adhere to their own code of ethics. The RTNDA code appears to be the same, if not very similar, to the traditional code of ethics for journalists. Distinguishing a unique code for electronic journalists creates, in my mind, a schism between traditional journalists and neo-journalists. The divide is not necessary. I understand that new rules must be addressed involving multimedia and video/audio deception, however, is it not true that electronic journalists simply integrate the traditional mediums of print/radio/broadcast?
It's been a while since I last read the code of ethics... and it is hard for me to believe that many professionals abide by these standards. The concept of diversity parallels this weeks text reading. The majority of news coverage I am exposed to does little to provide diverse coverage. Perhaps journalists are eliminating controversial language, however, the lack of diversity is implicit. Global news coverage still highlights photographs of the poor, black woman balancing a water jug on her head while a baby with a swollen belly is strapped to her back. Our concept of poverty and the US agenda of foreign aid are reinforced by our domestic coverage. Our ethnocentric coverage only perpetuates the concept of 'the others' and neo-imperialism via the form of aid. If we are discussing electronic journalism we cannot ignore the reach of such medium... this reach is global and the news coverage must reflect the global realities.
Guidelines for Ethical Video and Audio Editing
This article reminded me the of palliative care videos I showed for my presentation. On the surface, the Dallas news org would not pass the ethics code. Perhaps my strong emotions were the result of fancy photo editing. My question is where does the responsibility lay? In the journalists or the audience. I am not condoning deception, however where are the critical readers/viewers? Since there is no such thing as objectivity, shouldn't receivers of news approach all news critically?
Our final project places an emphasis on editorial opinion. We are selecting the 20 most important stories of the day for our young adult audience. Audience loyalty grows from a shared opinion of issues. My audience, before knowing what our 20-something site is all about, logs on with expectations. It just seems contradictory to specify video/audio techniques that should be avoidable for fear of wavering too far from the line of objectivity, when the reporter, no matter how stringent she is to adhere to objective guidelines, is subjective... subject not only in the reality that she witnessed only one angle... but she herself is a for of media that communicates the subject view of some other witness. Perhaps if the industry was not so implicit about its subjectivity our audience would be forced to read/view/listen critically. It is an endless cycle of disillusion.
Ethics in Digital Photography
I have a difficult time deciphering the difference between the subjectivity of a photograph and the subjectivity of editing a photograph. A photo is a visual representation of a particular view point. Even if two photo j's stood in the same location they could capture and view different situations. Editing a photo creates the same conflict only now involving digital technology.
Considering this I still would not alter an image for my publication. Just because subjectivity consumes the photo from its conception does not compel me to further this process. A photojournalism code of ethics is obsolete in my opinion.
Photojournalism Ethics Guidelines
The Texarkana Gazette dead body policy is interesting. I enjoy how the industry can draw lines between what is right and wrong. I don't believe I would include photo's of dead bodies in my publication. The main question is the inherent news value of the photograph. Or is it? I appreciate the Gazette's attempt to exist within a community. We are not photographing and interviewing subjects... we are working with and for humans. It is interesting how there is causation between selling papers and printing content that appears controversial or taboo. I question our motives of death and devastation. Why show a glimpse of humanity in refusing to print photos of dead bodies... when a microphone/camera/tape recorder is easily thrust in the face of a family member who is viewing the dead body for the first?
Helter Skelter No More: An Evolving Guidebook for Online Ethics
"Are we comfortable with journalists who are not opinion columnists expressing more voice in their blogs than they can in the paper?":
That question parallels the concept that journalists cannot donate to political campaigns and the gamete conflict of interest issues. Majority of journalists are just an unknown byline. I don't believe anyone who claims to be objective and that their work reflects such objectivity. I don't know how many more times I can address this issue. I want my writers to keep a public blog. If my readers are informed of my writers opinions then the readers are better able to critically read the paper. If writers are given a medium to express their voice I feel that voice will less likely spill onto the 'news'.
"One area that's not really sorted out is the issue of what commentators can link to. Clearly porn sites are a no-no, but what about links to videos or photos of dead and wounded or politically inflammatory sites?":
If there are so many avenues were the writers voice may appear wouldn't one begin to critically debate objectivity? If a reader's understanding of a story is manipulated by a possibly suggestive link... who is at fault? I say the public school system and our societal priorities.
Online Journalism Ethics: Guidelines from the Conference
I enjoyed skimming the guidlines' FAQ. Transparency is the buzzword I am most interested in. I'm drawn to a memory of Christian Amanpour deferring questions of opinion to husband James Rubin during their lecture a couple of years ago. It is obvious that Amanpour has opinions. All writers must have opinions, especially due to their exposure to information. Why am I left guessing? I would think opinions are based at some level on an expertise or knowledge of a particular subject. Tell me what you saw and what factors influenced what you saw. Then I will ask the same of another writer on the scene. If we can intrude upon any subject why shouldn't our readers do the same to us? Why are we hiding behind the guise of objectivity?
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Redesigned Newspapers Launch in Three Cities
The parallels between the redesigns presented in this article and the classic online look are difficult to ignore. I found The Oklahoman redesign to a 44-inch web really interesting. I often forget that design is more than the visual content of the paper... the material dimensions of a newspaper appear to be stagnant and The Oklahoman made a bold move. The new width of the paper yields tighter writing. This concept can easily be applied to the web. Web news has a very narrow text field, considering ad placement, and I would think web writing should tighten as well.
I also enjoyed The Oklahoman color schemes. I appreciate the concept, perhaps not the vibrant colors. As much as I dislike thinking in terms of marketing and sales... the color schemes really brand the particular paper section in the minds of the readers. It is not to demanding to read the section titles of a paper, but the color coded sections provide a certain element that I'm having difficulties describing the mechanics... it just works for me.
the Courant's vertical nameplate is really attractive. There are these seemingly simple redesign options that can complete change the feel of a paper. The added .com wrap around is novel but does look a little out of place.
This article made me reconsider the basic design of a paper. You don't need to concoct new flashy fancy designs. Think about the basic elements of design and mix it up a bit. Bold moves usually come from bending the basics not reinvention.
Next Generation of Visual Thinkers is Drawing the Future of Journalism
Visual skill is critical today. Everything today is faster than the day before. infographic skill is the mode to keep up with the speed of life. With speed is, in my mind, complexity. I am bombarded with so much text as a student. Despite my passion for reading... by the end of the day I either don't give a shit or am unable to read critically. Incorporating visuals into a news story, and more than just a complementary feature but integral to comprehending the story, reaches a new level of understanding and quicker dissemination of information.
Our final project targets the typical 20-something-year-old. Infographics are essential to reaching the non so typical news reader. Although words can stir tremendous emotion, you can't knock the power of a image.
One Image
If we want to talk objectivity, the concept of one image one word is the key. Fewer words and translation limits the possibility of the writers subjective voice bleeding through the story. If a single image says nearly all that needs to be communicated, use the single image. I think we forgot how simple a story can be packaged. A photograph or emotional headline can often relay as much information as a dissertation. Photographs still can be as subjective as the written word. Anyone pushing objectivity is pushing an agenda.
Is Web a Tab?
I'm not sure I fully understand the comparison of web news to tabloids. I am assuming the tab format is a lot of short snippets of 'information'. If that is the case, I would agree that the web is developing a tab format. The Oklahoman 44-inch design supports the tab format with tighter writing. I think this format has a place, however an issue is the tab format replacing all forms or feature and investigative reporting. The other day I was reflecting on the idea that your world can be as big as you want it to be. My world is selectively large. We live in a global economy connected by global communication. There is a lot to report on. Sometimes an AP'esque approach to breaking news works. When the market becomes saturated with brief breaking news, then yes, the web will be a tab. I am hopeful that investigative extended work will continue to be produced.
Our final project should incorporate news feed and feature writing. This is were editorial decision making comes to light. If there is communication between the reader and the editor feature stories will survive. Every story cannot be a feature. Who would read them all?
Debunking Myths
I agree that design is a major component to the success of a news story... however after reading this article, I believe designers take themselves too seriously. I have barely enough time to read the news let a lone scrutinize over the intimate, curvatiousness of rag right alignment.
Myth 6, the dollar bill test was my favorite. If there is too much gray I think you can tell without succumbing to the dollar bill test.
I'm sure many designers feel there is a science to their work... and I partially agree. However, I feel the best design just feels right, looks right. A design has to be god awfully to affect the reader to the point where they stop reading. Then again... aren't we forgetting about the content? A story must compete with a bunch of external environmental factors... I doubt the design is completely to blame.
-- I was in class friday before break -- we discussed the final blog article
The parallels between the redesigns presented in this article and the classic online look are difficult to ignore. I found The Oklahoman redesign to a 44-inch web really interesting. I often forget that design is more than the visual content of the paper... the material dimensions of a newspaper appear to be stagnant and The Oklahoman made a bold move. The new width of the paper yields tighter writing. This concept can easily be applied to the web. Web news has a very narrow text field, considering ad placement, and I would think web writing should tighten as well.
I also enjoyed The Oklahoman color schemes. I appreciate the concept, perhaps not the vibrant colors. As much as I dislike thinking in terms of marketing and sales... the color schemes really brand the particular paper section in the minds of the readers. It is not to demanding to read the section titles of a paper, but the color coded sections provide a certain element that I'm having difficulties describing the mechanics... it just works for me.
the Courant's vertical nameplate is really attractive. There are these seemingly simple redesign options that can complete change the feel of a paper. The added .com wrap around is novel but does look a little out of place.
This article made me reconsider the basic design of a paper. You don't need to concoct new flashy fancy designs. Think about the basic elements of design and mix it up a bit. Bold moves usually come from bending the basics not reinvention.
Next Generation of Visual Thinkers is Drawing the Future of Journalism
Visual skill is critical today. Everything today is faster than the day before. infographic skill is the mode to keep up with the speed of life. With speed is, in my mind, complexity. I am bombarded with so much text as a student. Despite my passion for reading... by the end of the day I either don't give a shit or am unable to read critically. Incorporating visuals into a news story, and more than just a complementary feature but integral to comprehending the story, reaches a new level of understanding and quicker dissemination of information.
Our final project targets the typical 20-something-year-old. Infographics are essential to reaching the non so typical news reader. Although words can stir tremendous emotion, you can't knock the power of a image.
One Image
If we want to talk objectivity, the concept of one image one word is the key. Fewer words and translation limits the possibility of the writers subjective voice bleeding through the story. If a single image says nearly all that needs to be communicated, use the single image. I think we forgot how simple a story can be packaged. A photograph or emotional headline can often relay as much information as a dissertation. Photographs still can be as subjective as the written word. Anyone pushing objectivity is pushing an agenda.
Is Web a Tab?
I'm not sure I fully understand the comparison of web news to tabloids. I am assuming the tab format is a lot of short snippets of 'information'. If that is the case, I would agree that the web is developing a tab format. The Oklahoman 44-inch design supports the tab format with tighter writing. I think this format has a place, however an issue is the tab format replacing all forms or feature and investigative reporting. The other day I was reflecting on the idea that your world can be as big as you want it to be. My world is selectively large. We live in a global economy connected by global communication. There is a lot to report on. Sometimes an AP'esque approach to breaking news works. When the market becomes saturated with brief breaking news, then yes, the web will be a tab. I am hopeful that investigative extended work will continue to be produced.
Our final project should incorporate news feed and feature writing. This is were editorial decision making comes to light. If there is communication between the reader and the editor feature stories will survive. Every story cannot be a feature. Who would read them all?
Debunking Myths
I agree that design is a major component to the success of a news story... however after reading this article, I believe designers take themselves too seriously. I have barely enough time to read the news let a lone scrutinize over the intimate, curvatiousness of rag right alignment.
Myth 6, the dollar bill test was my favorite. If there is too much gray I think you can tell without succumbing to the dollar bill test.
I'm sure many designers feel there is a science to their work... and I partially agree. However, I feel the best design just feels right, looks right. A design has to be god awfully to affect the reader to the point where they stop reading. Then again... aren't we forgetting about the content? A story must compete with a bunch of external environmental factors... I doubt the design is completely to blame.
-- I was in class friday before break -- we discussed the final blog article
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Presentation screen shots
At The Edge of Life:
Who decides when you die?
Bernie Madoff's Clients: The Official List
List of Madoff clients runs in thousands
Who decides when you die?
Bernie Madoff's Clients: The Official List
List of Madoff clients runs in thousands
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
The Morgue
I can't help but think the death of the newspaper is one big conspiracy headed by a group of international bankers. What better way to infect apathy and spread disinformation throughout the states than to take away the newspapers? A monstrous hoax, greater than anything Mr. Bernie Madoff could pull, has been in the works for decades. The whole situation was premeditated.
I don't know what to say to or about Joe Mathews. If I was an editor for the LA Times what would I do? Well I think I would first be reading the classifieds... But really, what would I do? I have no idea. Jump ship? Completely reinvent the paper? What can be done when there is no money? Well a lot of things -- but we are talking business here. Mathews provides me with very little in regards to my final project. Perhaps completely forget about print? Draw on the readership to help with the hole in the news that is investigative reporting... Forget about breaking news?
The Platform: The Future of News
Osnos raises a practical question, why does nytimes.com give me the news for free? I don't pay a penny for anything I obtain on the internet. The only thing I pay for involving the internet is the internet. If I had to pay a online subscription fee to nytimes.com I most likely would. My loyalty to a particular news org would be obvious.. and this loyalty is a concept I've been blogging about all along. News should be free... but it can't unless it becomes mutant appendage to the federal government.
Osnos advice: Have a monthly subscription fee for my online news project.
Imagining A City Without Its Daily Newspaper
I can't imagine without the Buffalo News. The next best thing for my neck of the woods is the Alden Advertiser... and I would be better off standing outside of the A+ on Broadway to learn what is really going on in town. The death of the city daily is reality.
Our final project does not focus on local news, so I can't respond on the application of this article.... however, that might be the very problem.
A Nonprofit Panacea For Newspapers?
A non-profit model makes sense to me. Who makes the big bucks in todays typical new model? Well no one right now.. but not the reporters or the people in the newsroom. A bigger player is making the money. I don't think reporter would take a pay cut under a non-profit model.
I've heard individuals criticize ProPublica and its endowers... but I could care less that a rich couple is solely supporting the project. Yes, a political slanted whisper can be heard throughout some of ProPublica's stories... however, I've given up on objectivity along time ago. The stories I see on ProPublica I haven't seen anywhere else.
My first step for my own news site would be to write a letter to all the rich people I know. If that is a no go... I would honestly try the non-profit route. Why a non-profit? Why not. Non-profits are apart of the community. People want to know that their money is going directly to the source. People like knowing that their $25 donation supported the article that uncovered asbestos in the local elementary school.
I can't help but think the death of the newspaper is one big conspiracy headed by a group of international bankers. What better way to infect apathy and spread disinformation throughout the states than to take away the newspapers? A monstrous hoax, greater than anything Mr. Bernie Madoff could pull, has been in the works for decades. The whole situation was premeditated.
I don't know what to say to or about Joe Mathews. If I was an editor for the LA Times what would I do? Well I think I would first be reading the classifieds... But really, what would I do? I have no idea. Jump ship? Completely reinvent the paper? What can be done when there is no money? Well a lot of things -- but we are talking business here. Mathews provides me with very little in regards to my final project. Perhaps completely forget about print? Draw on the readership to help with the hole in the news that is investigative reporting... Forget about breaking news?
The Platform: The Future of News
Osnos raises a practical question, why does nytimes.com give me the news for free? I don't pay a penny for anything I obtain on the internet. The only thing I pay for involving the internet is the internet. If I had to pay a online subscription fee to nytimes.com I most likely would. My loyalty to a particular news org would be obvious.. and this loyalty is a concept I've been blogging about all along. News should be free... but it can't unless it becomes mutant appendage to the federal government.
Osnos advice: Have a monthly subscription fee for my online news project.
Imagining A City Without Its Daily Newspaper
I can't imagine without the Buffalo News. The next best thing for my neck of the woods is the Alden Advertiser... and I would be better off standing outside of the A+ on Broadway to learn what is really going on in town. The death of the city daily is reality.
Our final project does not focus on local news, so I can't respond on the application of this article.... however, that might be the very problem.
A Nonprofit Panacea For Newspapers?
A non-profit model makes sense to me. Who makes the big bucks in todays typical new model? Well no one right now.. but not the reporters or the people in the newsroom. A bigger player is making the money. I don't think reporter would take a pay cut under a non-profit model.
I've heard individuals criticize ProPublica and its endowers... but I could care less that a rich couple is solely supporting the project. Yes, a political slanted whisper can be heard throughout some of ProPublica's stories... however, I've given up on objectivity along time ago. The stories I see on ProPublica I haven't seen anywhere else.
My first step for my own news site would be to write a letter to all the rich people I know. If that is a no go... I would honestly try the non-profit route. Why a non-profit? Why not. Non-profits are apart of the community. People want to know that their money is going directly to the source. People like knowing that their $25 donation supported the article that uncovered asbestos in the local elementary school.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)